How is Rory McIlroy shaping up ahead of The Open?

He’s gone four years without winning a major

Things haven’t really gone to plan for Rory McIlroy over the last few years.

He looked set for an era of domination back in 2014. He’d won four major titles by the age of 25 and was ranked number one in the world.

Four years later, he’s still stuck on four majors. Two serious injuries have been a big factor in his recent drought, but he’ll be hoping to return to the winner’s circle at the Open Championship later this week.

The burnt Carnoustie fairways and thin rough could play into his hands. McIlroy favoured his driver during a practice round on Monday. The majority of his competition are expected to pick their irons for par-four tees.

It won’t matter how far he drives the ball if his putting doesn’t improve though. It’s been a weakness for a while.

But he’ll take heart from his record in this tournament. He’s finished tied for fifth, then fourth since winning it four years ago. He tied for third back in 2010 too.

The 29-year-old has also revealed he’s taken real encouragement from Novak Djokovic’s win at Wimbledon last weekend.

Like McIlroy, Djokovic had been a serial winner before injuries derailed his momentum. The Serb needed to be patient and keep working hard to get back on top. Is McIlroy’s patience going to pay off in Angus?

Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Ltd. is licensed (licence no. 1611) and regulated by the British Gambling Commission for persons gambling in Great Britain and LC International Limited, Suites 6-8, 5th Floor, Europort, Gibraltar, is licensed (RGL Nos. 010, 012) by the Government of Gibraltar and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner.